The bossa nova line dance is traditionally performed to the song "Blame it on the Bossa Nova" by Jane McDonald. This song has a fast tempo, and you'll want to follow a slower song as you learn the steps. "The Gulf of Mexico" by Clint Black can be used as a slower song for learning.
Before you try the bossa nova line dance, you will need to understand some basic dance terminology. Some basic dance steps used in the bossa nova include the scissor step and coaster step. A scissor step involves a cross step of one foot in front of another. As the name of this step implies, your legs will look like a pair of scissors opening and closing as you cross. A coaster step involves bringing your feet together. After you bring your feet together, you will step one foot forward.
In addition to the steps above, you will need to understand walls before you bossa nova. In country line dancing, each direction you face is considered a wall. As you line dance the bossa nova, you will face four walls at the end of four consecutive repetitions of the dance step sequence. When you reach the end of the dance-step sequence, you will be facing 90 degrees to the right or left of the direction you faced at the beginning
The bossa nova line dance is taught in either 64 or 32 counts. If you are new to the dance, it is best to start with 32 counts and then build to the more difficult count.
The 32-count bossa nova line dance is divided into four sections. Each of these sections consists of eight counts. The first section is eight counts of left and right slide steps. The second section consists of a quarter turn and a coaster step. In the third section, you will do eight counts of lock steps forward. In the final section, you will do eight counts of scissor steps.
You will need to repeat and practice the bossa nova line dance steps until you are comfortable with the moves. Practicing with friends will provide you with support as you learn, and it will help you keep in step. To truly master this dance, you will need professional lessons and/or instructional videos.